Diabetes management: Improving sensor performance

Our technology is enabling medical device companies to help clinicians and diabetes patients better detect blood glucose levels. Our polyurethanes, used as dense membranes, enable device manufacturers to develop strong, flexible and accurate sensors to better detect blood glucose levels. And, our durable, hydrophilic and permeable coatings for glucose sensors are developed according to our customer specifications to improve the design, accuracy and longevity of these implanted devices.

The burden of diabetes

An estimated 285 million people worldwide are living with diabetes; it’s fast becoming an epidemic. We are helping fight diabetes because of its profound effect on kidney failure, blindness, heart disease and stroke — as well as the overall quality of life. We’re helping medical device manufacturers provide patient solutions that minimize or prevent these complications by keeping glucose levels within a healthy, manageable range.

Advances in diabetes management

Continuous glucose monitoring is helping hundreds of thousands of patients improve glucose control. Tiny sensors inserted under the skin monitor glucose continuously and alert the patient when glucose levels are out of normal range. Patients can then take steps to correct any imbalance. DSM scientists have developed materials which help to improve the performance of these biosensors by assisting in reducing fouling and optimizing glucose exposure.

Polyurethanes improve accuracy

DSM medical polyurethanes optimize glucose diffusion, reducing the likelihood of sensor overload from glucose overexposure. With flexible mechanical properties and our patented Surface Modifying End Groups (SME^®) and Self-Assembly Monolayer End Group (SAME^®) surface technologies, our materials can be processed via multiple production techniques. This powerful combination of properties enables sensors to more accurately measure glucose levels and minimize patient discomfort. Furthermore, they’re proven for short- or long-term use.

DSM coating upgrades biosensors

VitroStealth^® coating from DSM dramatically reduces unwanted protein absorption and cellular adhesion on surfaces. Studies have shown that our VitroStealth^® coating enhances permeability of molecules — such as glucose and oxygen — for more precise measurement while preventing bacteria from sticking to the foreign surface. By reducing protein adhesion, this coating can increase a biosensor’s longevity and extend the time of accurate signal transmission. The surface interface and coatings are customized according to our customer’s specific needs.

What’s next? Improved glucose sensors are an essential step toward the goal of an ‘artificial pancreas’ that can reliably monitor glucose levels and automatically adjust insulin dosing to enhance diabetes self-management. DSM is dedicated to working with device manufacturers pursuing this goal. It’s one more example of our unwavering commitment to improving patient outcomes and the quality of life.

Links & Downloads

• DSM cardiovascular and other markets brochure (PDF, 605.40KB)

Page updated on 19 Jul 2012